Healthy Madrasas programme may help physical activity access for Muslim children in Bristol
A childhood obesity prevention programme developed in Bradford’s madrasas could be adapted for use in Bristol, according to research supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol.
The Healthy Madrasas programme supports healthy eating and physical activity through Islamic religious settings. The qualitative study published in BMJ Open explored whether the programme set up in Bradford could work in a city where Muslim communities are smaller, more ethnically diverse and more geographically dispersed.
Researchers worked with 34 people in Bristol, including:
- Representatives from Islamic organisations, mosques and madrasas
- Voluntary sector organisations
- Public health experts
- Muslim parents
Participants discussed current barriers to physical activity and healthy eating, and how the Bradford model might need to change for Bristol during:
- One co-production workshop (15 participants, 47% female)
- Eight focus groups (19 participants, 100% female) – two groups were turned into individual interviews as only one person attended
Overall, study participants supported the programme. They felt that faith settings could play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles among children and families. However, they also identified an equity gap in current provision.
Mainstream physical activity opportunities were not always seen as safe, inclusive or culturally appropriate, particularly for Muslim girls. Parents described a lack of girls-only or women-only activities, concerns about mixed-gender sport, and worries about bullying, racism, Islamophobia or loss of cultural identity in some settings.
Participants also highlighted the importance of culturally relevant dietary guidance. Some parents said existing healthy eating advice often did not reflect the foods, family structures or traditions of South Asian, Somali, Arab and other Muslim communities in Bristol.
Elin Cawley, lead author, said:
“Our findings show that families are not lacking motivation. Many parents are actively looking for ways to support their children’s health, but the opportunities available do not always feel accessible, safe or relevant.
“A Bristol Healthy Madrasas programme would need to be community-led, inclusive and properly resourced if it is to make a meaningful difference.”
The researchers concluded that the Bradford programme has potential to be adapted for Bristol, but only if local implementation reflects Bristol’s context. Participants recommended creating a neutral, Islamic community-led steering group that represents the city’s diverse Muslim communities, with strong partnerships between mosques, madrasas, schools, charities, community centres, and local authorities.
They also stressed the need for:
- Culturally acceptable funding
- Shared access to space and equipment
- Support for volunteers
- Better communication with mothers
- Women’s representation in leadership and delivery roles
The authors say future work should pilot the programme in Bristol to better understand the practical support needed before wider implementation.
